Course:BBA 2309

Computer Applications in Business

Syllabus:

Chapter: #01
Introduction to Computers: Basic organization; Types of Computer; History and Generations.

Chapter# 01 (PART-1)
Important Questions on Chapter No# 1
1. What is computer? Describe the classification of computer?
2. Describe the uses of computer.
3. Describe the generations of computer.
4. Describe the characteristics of computer.
5. Describe the organization of computer
6. Write a short note on freeware, shareware, firmware and human ware.
7. Write down the differences between
(a) Analog and Digital Computer.
(b) Hardware and Software.
8. What are the limitations of computer?
9. Why computer is called data processor?
10. “Hardware and software of a computer system are like two sides of a coin.”- Discuss.

1. What is computer? Describe the classification of computer.

Computer:
Computer comes from the Greek word Compute. Basically computer means a machine. On the other hand
we can say that computer is an electronics device that takes inputs from the user through input devices,
process these inputs through processing devices and gives the output through output devices. Computer
never goes wrong. It is the user who gives wrong input into the computer and thus output comes in wrong
form. It's called graves in graves out. Many people aware that computer is a machine that can perform
arithmetical operations only. But they fail to understand that it is also a machine that can choose copy,
move, compare, and perform other non-arithmetic operations on the many alphabetic, numeric and other
symbols that we use to represent things.
The following diagram shows how inputs are processed by computer.

Input Process Output

Types of computer:
Computer basically two types. They are:
1) General Computer.
2) Special Purpose Computer.
1) General Computer.: The computer which is used to perform verity of operations is called
general computer. For example- our personal computer or PC. By this computer we can perform
many kinds of operations.
2) Special Purpose Computer. The computer which is used to perform a special task is called
Specific Purpose Computer. For example the speedometer of a car, Barometer etc.
On the basis of structure computer can be classified in to three classes. They are:
1) Analog Computer
2) Digital Computer
3) Hybrid Computer
Analog Computer: The word Analog comes form the Latin word “Analogous”. It means variations of
voltage. So in analog computer variation of voltage is used to represent various aspects of the problem.
Analog computer is used mainly by scientist and engineers. They allow them to work directly at the
machine and develop solutions on a trial and error basis. For example oil refinery, chemical industry
equipments.

Digital Computer: Digital comes from the word digit. Digit means discrete number. Instead of signal
digital computer uses digit. These variables are manipulated according to the rules of arithmetic and
number system. Digital computer is faster then the analog computer.

Hybrid Computer : The combination of analog and Digital computer is called Hybrid Computer. Where
the data is taken by Analog Computer and the result is given by the Digital Computer. For example: in
Medical Center, ECG machine.
Again Digital Computer is classified into four classes. They are:
1) Micro Computer.
2) Mini Computer.
3) Main Frame Computer.
4) Super Computer.
Micro Computer. Micro means small. In 1971 Microsoft Corporation produced Microprocessor. It was
Intel-4000. In microcomputer they used microprocessor. That’s it was called Micro Computer. There are
many kinds of micro computer in the market. They are: Laptop, Palmtop, and Desktop Computer.

Mini Computer: The computer which is smaller than Mainframe Computer but larger then the Micro
Computer is called Mini Computer. There are many terminals in minicomputer. That means many people
can work at a time in this computer. It is used in the industry, research center. For example: PDPII, IBM
s/34, NCR S/9290 etc.

Mainframe Computer: The mainframe is large sized computer. Where more then thousands of dumb
terminals are used. There are many processing unit in it. Bank, Insurance, and other large sized
organization used mainframe computer to control their operations and analysis. Special and qualified
operators are required to operate this computer. For example: UNIVAC 1100/01, IBM 4341, NCR N8370
etc.

Super Computer: It is the largest, speedy, expansive, and strongest computer in the world. Many
microprocessors are used in this computer. Super computer is used in difficult, complex scientific
research, data analysis, satellite control. Example: CRAY-1, CYBER-205 etc.

Computer

Analog Digital Hybrid

Micro Mini Mainframe Super

Classification of Computer
 2. Describe some uses of computer.
Ans: Some uses of computer are given below:

1. Commerce:

It is the commercial word - shops, banks, insurance and credit companies -which makes the
maximum use of computers in a verity of applications. They from the majority of users. It will be very
difficult for the financial world to exit without the assistance of computers.

2. Industry:

Many industrial organizations such as steel, chemical and oil companies depend upon computers
not only for their own internal administration but also for the actual control of the plant processes. This
trend will continue and will increase especially because of the introduction of microcomputers. The
advantage of microcomputer is that it can be used in environments in which the traditional computers
could not be used; in cold climates and in dirty and noisy atmospheres.

3. Administration:

Every organization has its own internal administration and some companies specialize in
administration itself. Many of these administrative tasks are performed by computers. Computers are
beginning introduced in India to manage the administration of Banks, post office etc.

4. Transportation:

Many forms of land, sea and sir transportation relay on computers. Without computers, air traffic
control would be virtually impossible to regulate at current traffic volume.

5. Education:

Although little impact has been made by the CLASS program which was introduced by the Indian
Government, the day will come when much of the traditional teaching will be performed through the help
of computers. This from of teaching is known as computer assisted instruction (CAI) and computer
assisted learning.

6. Other professions:

Some of the other professions like law, medicine, and libraries gradually making use of
computers and are building up greater dependence upon computers. It has been estimated then that over
40% of children at school today will be working directly or indirectly with computers after they leave
school.

7. Individuals:

Even if our work does not involve the use of computers in our everyday work, as individuals, we
are affected by them. The motorists, the air passengers, hospital patients and those working the large
departmental stores, are some of the people for whom computers process information. Everyone who pays
for electricity or telephone bills has their bills processed by computers.
 3. Describe the feature of different computer generation.
Ans:

The historical development of computer can be classified into several steps. Each step is called
computer generation. Basically computer has four generation. They are:

1) First Generation Computer.

2) Second Generation Computer.
3) Third Generation Computer.
4) Fourth Generation Computer.
The characteristics of each generation are described below:

1) First Generation Computer: (1945-1960)

Use of vacuum tube.
Magnetic drum as primary internal storage medium.
Limited main storage capacity & slow operating speed.
Heat and Maintenance problem.
Machine level language.
Application: Payroll processing and record keeping.
Example: IBM 650, UNIVAC 01, IBM 701.
2) Second Generation Computer. (1960-1965)
Use of transistor and diodes for internal operations.
Magnetic core as internal storage medium.
Increases main storage capacity.
Faster input / output : Introducing : OCR and MICR
High level programming language.
Application: Billing, Payroll processing, Updating Inventory Files.
Example: IBM 1402, CDC 1604, IBM 1602.
3) Third Generation Computer.(1965-1970)

Use of Integrated Circuits (IC).

Magnetic core and solid state main storage.
Increases Main storage capacity.
More Flexibility Input output
Smaller size, better performance and reliability.
Exclusive use of High Level Programming Language.
Application: Airline System, Market Forecasting, Credit card billing.
Example: ICL 1900, CDC 6600, IBM 370.
4) Fourth Generation Computer(1971-?)

Use of large scale and very large scale integrated (VLSI)circuit.

Increased storage capacity.
Greater versatility of input output devices.
Increased use of microprocessor.
Application: Electronic Fund Transfer, personal use, computer aided
instruction.
Example: IBM-3033, IBM PC, HP 3000.
5. Describe the characteristics of computer?
Ans: Basic characteristics about computer are:
1. Speed: - As you know computer can work very fast. It takes only few seconds for calculations
that we take hours to complete. You will be surprised to know that computer can perform
millions (1,000,000) of instructions and even more per second. Therefore, we determine the
speed of computer in terms of microsecond (10-6 part of a second) or nanosecond (10 to the
power -9 part of a second). From this you can imagine how fast your computer performs work.

2. Accuracy:- The degree of accuracy of computer is very high and every calculation is performed
with the same accuracy. The accuracy level is determined on the basis of design of computer.
The errors in computer are due to human and inaccurate data.

3. Diligence: - A computer is free from tiredness, lack of concentration, fatigue, etc. It can work
for hours without creating any error. If millions of calculations are to be performed, a computer
will perform every calculation with the same accuracy. Due to this capability it overpowers
human being in routine type of work.

4. Versatility: - It means the capacity to perform completely different type of work. You may use
your computer to prepare payroll slips. Next moment you may use it for inventory management
or to prepare electric bills.

5. Power of Remembering: - Computer has the power of storing any amount of information or
data. Any information can be stored and recalled as long as you require it, for any numbers of
years. It depends entirely upon you how much data you want to store in a computer and when to
lose or retrieve these data.
6. No IQ: - Computer is a dumb machine and it cannot do any work without instruction from the
user. It performs the instructions at tremendous speed and with accuracy. It is you to decide what
you want to do and in what sequence. So a computer cannot take its own decision as you can.
7. No Feeling: - It does not have feelings or emotion, taste, knowledge and experience. Thus it
does not get tired even after long hours of work. It does not distinguish between users.
8. Storage: - The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a large amount of data. You
can also store data in secondary storage devices such as floppies, which can be kept outside your
computer and can be carried to othercomputers.
5. Describe the organization of computer?
Ans: Organization of a Computer System:
A computer basically consists of the following four components. They are:
Input & Output Devices.
Processor.
RAM (Memory)
Storage.
The Processor: The procedure that transforms raw data into useful information is called processing. To
perform this transformation, the computer uses two components: the processor & memory. The processor
is like the brain of the computer; it organizes and carries out instructions that come from either the user or
the software. In a personal computer, the processor usually consists of one or more microprocessors,
which are slivers of silicon or other material etched with many tiny micro electronics circuits. To process
data or complete an instruction form a user or a program, the computer passes electricity through the
circuit. The microprocessor is plugged into the computer motherboard. The motherboard is a rigid
triangular card containing the circuitry that connects the processor to the other hardware. The
motherboard is an example of a circuit board. In most personal computers many internal devices – such as
video cards, sound cards, disk controller & other devices – are housed on their own smaller circuit boards,
which attach to the main board. A personal computer’s processor is usually a single chip or a set of chips
contained on a circuit board. In some powerful computers, the processor consists of many chips & the
circuit boards on which they are mounted, in either case, the term central processing units (CPU) refers to
a computer’s processor. People often refer to computer systems by the type of CPU they contain. A
“Pentium 4” system, for example, uses a Pentium 4 microprocessor as its CPU. Basically CPU has three
units. They are:
ALU (Arithmetical & Logical Unit)
Control Unit.
Registers (Main Memory Unit)

ALU (Arithmetical & Logical Unit)

Control Unit.

Registers (Main Memory Unit)

C.P.U

Memory: Memory is like an electronic scratch pad inside the computer. When we launch
a program, it is loaded into and run from memory. Data used by the program is also
loaded into memory for fast access. A new data is entered into the computer; it is also
stored in memory-but only temporarily. The most common type of memory is called
Random Access Memory (RAM). Data both is written to & read from this memory. It is
very important thing that RAM is volatile memory. So it needs a constant power supply
of power. When we turn off computer, every thing in RAM disappears. So we should
save our data files to a storage device frequently. One of the most important factors that
affecting the speed of a computer is RAM. Generally the more RAM a computer has, the
more it can do & the faster it can performs certain task. The most common unit for
describing a computer’s memory is the “Byte”. Byte comes from the memory cell bit. Bit
means binary digit. Bit has two values they are: 0 and 1. 1 byte means 8 bits. One byte
memory is used for a character. Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte are described
below:
1KB = 1024 Bytes = 210 Byte
1MB = 1024 KB = 220 Byte
1GB = 1024 MB = 230 Byte
1TB = 1024 GB = 2403 Byte
Input & Output Devices A computer would be useless if we could not interact with it
because the machine could not receive instruction or deliver the results of its work. Input
devices accept data & instruction from the user or from another computer system. Output
devices return processed data to the user or to another computer system. Input devices
are:
Keyboard.
Mouse.
Trackball.
Touch ball.
Joysticks.
Scanners.
Digital Cameras.
Micro phones.
Digitizer.
Bar Code Reader.
OCR.
OMR.
MICR.
The most common input device is the keyboard, which accepts letters, numbers, &
commands from the user. Another important type of input device is the mouse which lets
us select option from on screen menus. We use a mouse by moving it across a flat surface
and pressing its button. Mouse, trackball, & touchpad enable us to draw or point on the
screen. The joystick is especially well suited for playing fast moving video games. A
microphone or CD player attached to the computer enables us to add sound of a voice or
a music selection.
Output Devices: the function of an output device is to present processed data to the user. The most
common output devices are the monitor & printer. The computer sends output to the monitor (The display
Screen) when the user needs only to see the output. It sends output to the printer when the user requests a
paper copy – also called a hard copy- of a document. Computer accepts sound through input device like
microphone & produces sound through the output device like speaker or headphone. Output devices are:
Monitor.
Printer.
 Speaker.
Plotter.
Headphone.
Storage: When we write something in any document or files that time we are using RAM. But RAM is a
volatile memory. It can’t store the data permanently. That time we need to save our data, document or
files. The process of storage is to hold data permanently. There are many types of storage devices,
including tape drives, optical drives, and removable hard drive. The device that holds a disk is called hard
drives. Some disks are built into the drive and are not meant to remove and these are called hard disk.
And other kinds of drives enable us to remove and replace disks. These are called Diskette drive. Like
Floppy Disks. The CD-ROM drive is another common type of storage device. Compact Disk (CD) is a
type of optical storage device. In general CDs can hold 80 minutes of audio or 700MB of data. There is
another optical disk which is CD-RW. It means Compact Disk Rewritable. Normally CD means Compact
Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM). But now the storage technology is increasing day by day. Now we
are using DVD (Digital Video Disk). It has large storage capacity. DVDs can hold 17GB of data.

6. Write a short note on freeware, shareware, firmware and human ware.

Ans:Freeware:
Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no monetary cost, which may have restrictions such
as redistribution prohibited, and for which source code is not available Freeware, although itself free of charge,
may be intended to benefit its owner, e.g. by encouraging sales of a more capable version. According to
the Free Software Foundation (FSF), "freeware" is a loosely defined category and it has no clear accepted
definition, although FSF asks that free software; unrestricted and with source code available) should not be
called freeware.
Shareware:
Shareware is software that you can use on a trial basis before paying for it. Unlike freeware, shareware often
has limited functionality or may only be used for a limited time before requiring payment and registration.
Once you pay for a shareware program, the program is fully functional and the time limit is removed. In the
1980s and 1990s, shareware was a popular way for small developers to distribute software.
Firmware:
Firmware is a software program or set of instructions programmed on a hardware device. It provides the
necessary instructions for how the device communicates with the other computer hardware. Firmware is
typically stored in the flash ROM of a hardware device. While ROM is "read-only memory," flash ROM can
be erased and rewritten because it is actually a type of flash memory.
Human ware:
Humanware is everything which helps human beings to handle (use and look after) a product, e.g. controls and
indicators, program ergonomic, location of assembly divisions in parts to be put together, signs and other
markings, instructions, training and technical consultation.
 7. (a) Write down the differences between analog and digital computer.
Differences between analog and digital computer are as follows:

Digital Computer Analog Computer

1 A computer that counts the numbers and operates 1 A computer that measures continuous physical
directly on digits that represent either discrete data or quantities and convert them to analogous decimal digit,
symbolic is called digital computer. and them realizes an arithmetic and logical operation
and accomplished result is visible by meter or indicator
is called analog computer.

2. Results are displayed an monitor and can be printed. 2. Results are visible got through indicator or meter or
by graph (draw with plotter machine).

3. The function of digital computer is forwarding and 3. The function of analog computer is measurement
periodic. method.

4. This computer is used extensively in the sphere of 4. This computer is used in chemical, petroleum and
education, treatment, business administration, recreation feed processing industries.
etc.

5. It is comparatively free of error, dependable and 5. It is less dependable and less speedy than digital
speedy. computer.

6. Digital computer is for general uses. 6. Analog computer is for special uses.

7. Its application program can easily be changed on the 7. This is not so.
basic of working type.

7. (b) Write down the differences between hardware and software.

Hardware:
The main difference between hardware and software are as follows:
1. Physical parts of the computer are called hardware.
2. You can touch, see and feel hardware.
3. Hardware is constructed using physical materials or components.
4. Computer is hardware, which operates under the control of a software.
5. If hardware is damaged, it is replaced with new one.
6. Hardware is not affected by computer viruses.
7. Hardware cannot be transferred from one place to another electronically through network.
8. User cannot make new duplicate copies of the hardware.
Software:
1. A set of instructions given to the computer is called software.
2. You cannot touch and feel software.
3. Software is developed by writing instructions in programming language.
4. The operations of computer are controlled through software.
5. If software is damaged or corrupted, its backup copy can be reinstalled.
6. Software is affected by computer viruses.
7. Software can be transferred from one lace to another electronically through network.
8. User can make many new duplicate copies of the software.
8. What are the limitations of computer?
Ans: The computer can outperform human beings in speed, memory and accuracy but still
the computer has limitations. There are following limitations of a computer.
Programmed by human:
Though computer is programmed to work efficiently, fast and accurately but it is programmed by
human beings to do so. Without a program, computeris nothing. A program is a set of
instructions. Computer only follows these instructions. If the instructions are not accurate the
working of computer will not accurate.

Thinking:
The computer can not think itself. The concept of artificial intelligence shows that
the computer can think. But still this concept is dependent on set of instructions provided by the
human beings.

Self Care:
A Computer can not care itself like a human. A computer is dependent still to human beings for
this purpose.

Retrieval of memory:
A computer can retrieve data very fast but this technique is linear. A human being's mind does
not follow this rule. A human mind can think randomly which a computer machine cannot.

Feelings:
One of the main limits in the computer is of feeling. A computer can not feel about some like a
human. A computer cannot meet human in respect of relations. Human can feel, think and caring
but a computer machine itself cannot. A computer cannot take place of human
because computer is always dependent of human.

9. Why computer is called data processor?

Computer is a fast operating electronic device, which automatically accepts and store input data,
processes them and produces results under the direction of step by step program. Any Process
that uses a computer program will enter data and summarize, analyze or otherwise convert data
into usable information. The process may be automated and run on a computer. It involves
recording, analyzing, sorting, summarizing, calculating, disseminating and storing data. Thus
Computer is known as data processing system.
Its various operations are:
1) It accepts data or instructions by way of input.
2) It stores data.
3) It can process data as required by the user.
4) It gives results in the form of output.
10. “Hardware and software of a computer system are like two sides of a coin.”-
Discuss.
It is said that software and hardware are like two sides of a coin. Why it is said so? They are said
to be two sides of the same coin to convey the meaning that they both are inter-dependent.
Hardware is useless without software and vice versa. Hardware and software are two
components which makes a computer. Without these two components we can't imagine a
computer.
For example, without the driver of a hardware and OS kernel (a program which directly interacts
with the hardware) we cannot use hardware. Similarly, without the processor and a memory it is
impossible for a software to run.
Thus, hardware and software are like two sides of a coin.
11. What is program? Distinguish between system program and application
program.
Program: In computing, a program is a specific set of ordered operations for a computer to
perform. In the modern computer that John von Neumann outlined in 1945, the program contains
a one-at-a-time sequence of instructions that the computer follows. Typically, the program is put
into a storage area accessible to the computer. The computer gets one instruction and performs it
and then gets the next instruction. The storage area or memory can also contain the data that the
instruction operates on.
The differences between system software and application software are given below:
System Software Application Software

1 The software which creates relationship 1 The software which is used to solve
between hardware that means system and application problem or to process data is called
human is called system software. application software.

2. On the basis of computer’s functions system 2. On the basis of different applications,

software is created. application software is created.

3. There are three types of system software. 3. There are two types of application software.
They are: System Management Program, They are:
System Support Program and System
General Application Software and Specific
Development Program.
Application Software.

12. What is software? Describe the classification of Software.

Meaning of software: A set of sequential instruction which is used to perform a particular task is
called program. And program or set of program which used to make a relationship between hardware
and the user to activate the hardware is called software. The fact is that hardware is used to compute
and software runs the computer. Hardware is valueless without software. Software is used to make
communication between the user and hardware.
User -1 User -2 User -3 User -4 ………………. User -n

Compiler Assembler Text Editor Database System

Application Software

System Software

Computer Hardware

Types of software:
Software is generally classified as:
1. System Software.
2. Application Software.
System Software:
According to ANSI (American National Standard Institute) System software means:
“Software which controls the execution of computer programs and which may provide
scheduling, debugging, input/output control, accounting, compilation, storage
assignment, data management and related services”
Application Software
Application software can be developed by the users themselves using suitable
programming languages. There are many programming languages which allow us to
write computer instruction in a text form. BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, PASCAL, C,
C++, Java are some well known programming languages. Writing application program
using such languages requires expertise and experience in programming and only
experienced programmers can write good quality application programs. Many application
programs are now available commercially. Such programs, developed by experienced
programmers can be readily employed for user applications. These programs are
popularly known as application packages or simply packages. MS Word, Word Perfect
and Word Star for Word Processing, Lotus 1-2-3 and MS Excel for spreadsheet analysis
and dbase, FOXPRO, Oracle and MS Access for database management are some popular
application packages.
 Software

System Software Application Software

Operating Software Utility User Development Application

System Development Programs Programs Package

System Programs

1. MS Word

2. Lotus -123

3. Custom S/W